Our Lighthouse

July 2, 2026

From Joseph Wamack

Hello MAC Family. I pray you have been well this week, through the ups and downs of life. Jesus is a Constant Companion if we invite Him to travel along with us on our journey, if we ask Him to lead us. Maybe you are like me. There are times I want to do what I want to do, whether it is right, whether it is wrong, whether it is selfish or mean and even when it goes against the Biblical truths I say I believe. It is as if I will trust God; I will follow His ways but only when I agree with them. Perhaps the greatest mark of spiritual maturity is to trust God and obey Him even when it goes against personal likes and preferences. Trust has to involve a change of behavior, as in this story:

In the darkest part of the night, a battleship captain cautiously piloted his ship through fog-shrouded waters. He strained to see through the thick darkness searching for hidden danger. His worst fears were realized when he saw a bright light ahead. It appeared to be a vessel on a collision course with his ship. To avert disaster he quickly radioed the oncoming vessel. "This is Captain Jeremiah Smith," his voice crackled over the radio. "Please alter your course ten degrees south! Over."

To the captain's amazement, the foggy image did not move. Instead, he heard a reply on the radio, "Captain Smith. This is Private Thomas Johnson. Please alter your course ten degrees north! Over."

Appalled at the audacity of the message, the captain shouted back over the radio, "Private Johnson, this is Captain Smith, and I order you to immediately alter your course ten degrees south! Over." The oncoming light did not budge.

"With all due respect, Captain Smith," came the private's voice again, "I order you to alter your course immediately ten degrees north! Over."

Angered and frustrated that this lowly private would endanger the lives of his men and crew, the captain growled over the radio as the light drew closer, "Private Johnson. I can have you court-martialed for this! For the last time, I command you on the authority of the United States government to alter your course ten degrees to the south! I am a battleship!"

The private's response was: "Captain Smith, sir. Once again with all due respect, I command you to alter your course ten degrees to the north! I am a lighthouse!" The battleship changed course.

Church family, think of God as a Lighthouse. He offers light, guidance and direction. He is solid, trustworthy and unmoving. Yet, it seems we spend a lot of our time, going “Hey God, move over a bit, will ya? I need to do this my way!”

Perhaps my life (and yours, too) will go better if we alter my course by the Divine Light rather than expecting there to be “smooth sailing” when we set our own course. Trust involves direction. Can I go where He leads even if I cannot see through the fog-shrouded waters of life?

A text for you today: Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

As we celebrate the Independence Day of our great country, may we remember that freedom is not free. Freedom is not doing whatever you want. Freedom is choosing to follow Jesus and loving others in His name. We may not be able to change the world, but we can affect those around for GOOD. May your path be lit by the Lighthouse today and every day.